NBD - Yamaha Billy Sheehan Attitude 3

[Ricky Rioli]

I know it's just one word...

it's hard to put into words just how well built the real Made-in-Japan Yamahas are. Made by Music Kraft, Yamaha's top production facility

...but since all Yamahas are made in Yamaha factories, feel a bit uncomfortable at calling only the instruments coming out of their best facility the "real" ones.

 

[JW56789]

I know it's just one word...

...but since all Yamahas are made in Yamaha factories, feel a bit uncomfortable at calling only the instruments coming out of their best facility the "real" ones.

Agreed, certainly; I only meant Yamaha, at the top of its game from their best production facility where the price point allows an exceptionally built instrument from the time and materials end of it, is among the best there is from anyone. Just as I know they build all their own pianos, but a CFX grand is quite a step up from lesser models.

 

[JRA]

having a "dream to play" is the best! glad you like your choice --- it's a great looking ax! congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[wraub]

Yamaha makes good stuff, and their MIJ stuff is superb imo.
Enjoy.

 

[songwriter21]

Thanks man! I have a bunch of basses, each with a different purpose, but the Sheehan sound is just so elusive without the correct equipment, and it's such a powerful sound that you just lust after it until you find it. I really wanted that LTD II but I'm so pumped to have found this one!



The finish on the neck is superb. The closest similarity I have to it is the Ibanez Adam Nitti Signature ANB205, which is a beefy neck with a great finish. Love them both.



I'm a super low action kinda guy, so that extra recess just makes it so much better. I take the relief down to almost flat, and after that the G string saddle is almost sitting on the bridge plate, so without that recess it'd be too high!

And he's such a cool dude... super modest and down to earth, loves to share knowledge, just great all around. Jealous of your experience!



That's the one I always wanted! But this one will do.

I’ve been using mine again since you posted this thread and it really is a stellar bass.

I’ve been playing my Rick for so long it has been a very nice change.

It really is a top quality bass. Yamaha did a great job on these.

It’s crazy how low you can get the action on these. I’ve only been able to do that when I had my modulus or status bass.


Total rock machine.

It's funny, as I was surprised when I checked out Billy's bass on tour. He doesn't play with crazy-low action, almost like a medium-low setup. His hands can play the stuff they do, with said action, probably from the strength he's built up in his hands from 8 bazillion shows and practice sessions. I remember him outside of the BX3 shows without his bass on his shoulder, maybe a handful of times. Then there was setting up his "mini 'Godzilla'" rig, of which he guided me through piece by piece...still have my own schematic of it. The guy had zen-like patience, except when he needed an emergency overdrive pedal replacement (all my fault, LOST HIS HOMEMADE ONE, but luckily ended up finding it in an amp case near the end of the tour).

Anyway, sorry to derail this thread...the LTD II/III is bombproof!

 

[shaggy45]

It's funny, as I was surprised when I checked out Billy's bass on tour. He doesn't play with crazy-low action, almost like a medium-low setup. His hands can play the stuff they do, with said action, probably from the strength he's built up in his hands from 8 bazillion shows and practice sessions. I remember him outside of the BX3 shows without his bass on his shoulder, maybe a handful of times. Then there was setting up his "mini 'Godzilla'" rig, of which he guided me through piece by piece...still have my own schematic of it. The guy had zen-like patience, except when he needed an emergency overdrive pedal replacement (all my fault, LOST HIS HOMEMADE ONE, but luckily ended up finding it in an amp case near the end of the tour).

Anyway, sorry to derail this thread...the LTD II/III is bombproof!

I’m probably gonna raise the action on mine to be honest . I just don’t have a light touch

 

[jasonmatthews]

 

[duckman999]

Question to all the Attitude 3 owners out there. I am the owner of a new Billy Sheehan Attitude 3 in Sonic Blue which I had him sign for me here in Nashville. (he is a new(ish) resident here) Great and humble dude! Anyways, does anyone know what the stock strings that come on the bass are? I love them and want to replace them with the same brand and gauge. Thanks!

 

[StevieMac]

Question to all the Attitude 3 owners out there. I am the owner of a new Billy Sheehan Attitude 3 in Sonic Blue which I had him sign for me here in Nashville. (he is a new(ish) resident here) Great and humble dude! Anyways, does anyone know what the stock strings that come on the bass are? I love them and want to replace them with the same brand and gauge. Thanks!

I believe they are D'Addario Pro Steels.

Congrats on the bass!

 

[songwriter21]

Question to all the Attitude 3 owners out there. I am the owner of a new Billy Sheehan Attitude 3 in Sonic Blue which I had him sign for me here in Nashville. (he is a new(ish) resident here) Great and humble dude! Anyways, does anyone know what the stock strings that come on the bass are? I love them and want to replace them with the same brand and gauge. Thanks!

If you want Billy's actual strings, he's been using Rotosound Swing Bass 66s (steel rounds....43, .65, .85, .110...his signature set).

 

[duckman999]

If you want Billy's actual strings, he's been using Rotosound Swing Bass 66s (steel rounds....43, .65, .85, .110...his signature set).

Thanks and yes I am very aware of his signature strings. However that isnt what came on the bass and as a result I am very hesitant to change it only because the bass is perfect with the current strings. Both in set up as well as I love the feel and tension of the stock strings. I have a string endorsement deal with a brand who will remain nameless as while I like their strings, they just would be too loose feeling on this bass so I will not be installing them on it. Back in my early days all I played were Rotosound 66. That is what all my bass heros used so... so did I. They are great but tear up up my fingers and frets so..., Thanks man!